MCAT Biological Sciences

An Overview of the Syllabus for MCAT Biological Sciences

The MCAT tests students for skills and abilities pre-requisite for
the study of medicine. Students in the United States of America and
Canada take the test to prove competencies whilst making admission
applications to medical schools and colleges. The test has four
different sections which aim to screen different skills and abilities.
The Biological Sciences section of MCAT tests students for skills and
knowledge in biology. Information about the topics covered in the
Biological Sciences section is available in the official website of the
test. To read more about the same visit www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/preparing/
and click on the Biological Sciences link. You will be able to view a
pdf file that will give you information about every concept that is
tested in the Biological Sciences section as well as what the theories and subject matter covered under the various concepts.

The contents under this section
are further broken down into two main streams of study. Biology and
Organic Chemistry are the two disciplines that are tested under this
section. Each of these disciplines tests you for knowledge of concepts
and sub concepts. A brief overview of the syllabus for Biological
Sciences will help you understand what you should study for the test.

What Topics Are Covered Under Biology

This sub-section under Biological Sciences
tests your knowledge about biological concepts related to the human
body. It tests you for knowledge in around 15 topics. Each of these
topics has various sub-topics and concepts. A list of the main topics
covered in this sub-section is available below.

Molecular biology: enzymes and metabolism

Molecular biology: DNA and protein synthesis

Molecular biology: eukaryotes

Microbiology

General eukaryotic cell

Specialized eukaryotic cells and tissues

Nervous and endocrine systems

Circulatory, Lymphatic and immune systems

Digestive and excretory systems

Muscle and skeletal systems

Respiratory system

Skin system

Reproductive and development

Genetics

Evolution

You should make sure that you have read about all the above listed
topics and test yourself to see which of these you are familiar with.
This will help you allot time to specific concepts which you may find
more difficult than others.

What Topics Are Covered Under Organic Chemistry

This is the other sub-sections of topics under the Biological Sciences
section. It tests you for basic principles and knowledge in Organic
Chemistry. The sub-section covers 7 main topics under which you will
learn many concepts and theories. More information about the concepts
covered under this sub-section is available on the official website at https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/preparing/. Visit the link and click on the Biological Sciences link. The topics covered in this sub-section are:

Covalent bond

Molecular structure and spectra

Separations and purifications

Hydrocarbons

Oxygen-containing compounds

Amines

Biological molecules

Preparing for the Biological Sciences
is not an easy feat. You can however reduce the strain of studying for
this section by familiarizing yourself with each and every concept and
chalking out a study schedule that will help you cover all the topics
for the test. This will help ensure that you have not missed out on
anything as well as help you devote time to practicing the new concepts
you learn. Make sure you have good study material that will help you
prepare for this section. Sign up for tutorials or classes specifically for this section
if you think you need to improve on your current skills. If you are
well prepared for the test there will be nothing that will stop you
from achieving truly high scores on the test.